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posted on: Friday, May 27, 2016

Wishing you a happy Memorial Day weekend! It's feeling more and more like summer in Chicago, which is another major reason to celebrate. (Hellooo, sunny and 90°.) One of the best parts of summer, in my opinion, is that there's simply so much do — from festivals and concerts to weekend getaways. I was excited to kick-off summer festival season earlier this week with music in Grant Park with Tennessee Vacation. Perhaps you might not know (or would have guessed), but I like my fair share of country music — especially in the summer. Listening to artists straight from Nashville, Memphis and Knoxville was a perfect way to get in the spirit for Memorial Day weekend and welcome the new season. It's safe to say Tennessee is top on my list of places to travel to next... I imagine a weekend filled with good music, BBQ, browsing local boutiques, and exploring the Appalachian Trail. Who's in?

P.S. Fun fact: This flag was the one used during our first year on our sailboat 'Old Glory', back in summer of 2011.

posted on: Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Not only does Instagram serve as inspiration for fashion and personal style, but for home décor, as well. Some of my favorite accounts to follow are filled with the most beautiful interiors. There are many, but here I wanted to share my top Instagrammers I love to follow currently for major décor inspiration:

kathykuohome | The Instagram behind the online boutique features a collection of stunning interiors, like this library pictured by Robert Brown. A scroll through the feed, and you'll see why it's a favorite.

alainakaz | Co-founder of The Everygirl, Alaina's home is chic, eclectic and Parisian-cool. Plus, she's planning her upcoming wedding in Sonoma, which is fun to follow along in the process.

daniellemoss_ | Danielle is also co-founding partner to The Everygirl, and her style is neutral, sleek and urban. Everything is beautifully styled and you'll see adorable snaps of her pup, Buddy.

summerthorntondesign | I enjoy following along Summer's travel adventures, and how she incorporates different cultures, colors and patterns to her work — which is bold and stunning.

mariaebeck | If I were to choose one style closest to my own personal taste, this would be it. I adore how Maria creates a space that always feels warm and inviting. (Take a peek at her portfolio.)

shelleyjohnstonedesign | Based in Lake Forest, I love following Shelley and her work. Her Instagram is filled with new-traditional, vibrant and tasteful interiors, plus a swoon-worthy outdoor space and pool.

studiomcgee | I've shared the design group before, as Studio McGee is a great source of inspiration. You'll enjoy lots of beautiful white kitchens, fun textiles, and a clean aesthetic that carries throughout.

monikahibbs | A favorite of mine for years, Monika's style is bright and white — and often filled with fresh flowers and the cutest snapshots of her littles.

Now your turn! Who do you love following on Instagram? Anyone I should add to this list?

posted on: Sunday, May 22, 2016

The countdown to Memorial Day is here! I truly can't believe the holiday weekend is only days away. Probably like most of you, I love this time of year when summer is just beginning and there's so much to look forward to. Do you have any exciting plans in the works for the long weekend? Because Memorial Day is all about red, white and blue, I rounded-up a collection of patriotic styles to wear for the holiday and into summer. (Plus, most will still ship in time for Saturday!). A few personal favorites include: this summery caftan, a cute embroidered dress, these navy and white striped shorts, this preppy tunic dress and navy romper, plus a straw tote that would be perfect for weekend travel.

posted on: Thursday, May 19, 2016

Hi, all! I'm currently in Park City, having spent this past week trekking through Utah visiting a few national parks. Beginning in Zion, through the Canyonlands and Arches, it's been an incredible trip so far. We live in such a beautiful country with so much to explore... I'm thankful for this time out west! Each day has been varied in terms of climate, so I've relied on light layers, like this soft camel cape and my favorite pair of denim. I hope you're having a great week, and would love for you to follow along on Instagram (if you'd like) for the remainder of this trip!

posted on: Monday, May 16, 2016

At the beginning of each season, it's fun to switch things up in the beauty department. Because summer is all about fresh and effortless beauty, I wanted to share these 5 tried-and-true products that help me feel my best, especially this time of year. All are worth a try!

FRESH SUGAR LIP TREATMENT | I've been a fan of these lip balms for some time, but I recently picked up a new color, Tulip. It's a perfect shade to me — one that looks subtle, but still adds enough tint, and is less fussy than applying lipstick.

GO SMILE TEETH WHITENER | I admit: I need a strong cup of coffee to start my day, and I like to end it with a glass of wine ;) To combat discoloration, I use this whitening gel once a day by adding it to my toothbrush (along with toothpaste) and brush as normal. Even after a few uses, I could honestly tell my smile was whiter and brighter. I wish I tried this earlier!

CLARISONIC MIA BRUSH | The Clarisonic has worked wonders for me. When my skin looks great, I don't feel the urge to wear much make-up. The brush does an amazing job exfoliating, and leaves your face feeling fresh and clean. The Clarisonic collection features a variety of tools and replacement brushes to fit your skincare needs — including for guys, too.

CLINIQUE MOISTURE SURGE | I originally tried this moisturizer as a sample from my mom (thanks, Mom!) ... and I've been using it ever since. I don't like the feeling of heavy face cream, especially in summer. This one is lightweight and effective.

ST. TROPEZ SELF TANNER | I've tried plenty of self-tanners over the years, and St. Tropez earns its reputation and praise. It's easy to apply, dries quickly, and looks amazing on the skin. Better to be safe and avoid excess sun, right?

Have you tried any of these for yourself? What beauty products are you loving lately, or rely on for summer?

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posted on: Sunday, May 15, 2016

Believe it or not, Memorial Day is only two weeks away! Do you have any exciting plans in the works? Whether you'll be traveling or staying close to home, the weekend is all about celebrating our country — and hopefully catching some sunshine, enjoying a BBQ (or two) and spending time with friends & family. Plus, the holiday always seems to signify the unofficial start of summer, which is another reason to celebrate! And lastly, a little personal news to share: I recently joined the team at Mode Media as a Content Contributor and am excited to see one of my first stories published, dedicated to Memorial Day Weekend Style. You can browse more by clicking below... enjoy!

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